GEOLOGIST TRAINEE
DEFINITION:
Under the close supervision of a Geologist 3 or other supervisory official in a State department or agency, as a trainee and productive worker, learns to perform field and office work pertaining to sub-surface investigations, soil compaction, mineral resources, and other geological work; learns to compile and analyze geological data; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Under close supervision, as a trainee and productive worker:
Learns to perform soil and rock sample studies and ground water studies.
Learns to perform structural geology studies, including block diagrams, joint system studies, three-point problems, and stereographic projections.
Learns to gather, compile, analyze, and interpret the results of geological work.
Learns to prepare reports, cross-sections, and maps showing the areal distribution and attitude of geological formations, ore deposits, underground water occurrences, and other features.
Learns to utilize the Brunton Compass to perform outcrop/geological mapping, strike and dip surveys, and joint system surveys.
Learns to collect data for borings and sub-surface investigations.
Learns to collect and prepare needed samples and materials for laboratory study.
Learns to collect specimens for geological collections.
Learns to perform field geophysical surveys, borings, and geological surveys.
Learns to acquire information concerning the geology of an area through the examination of new road cuts, quarry operations, well samples, and reports of mineral production.
Learns to prepare graphs and diagrams on geological conditions.
Learns to utilize and maintain special geological tools and equipment.
Learns to utilize computer applications in geological problem-solving.
Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative geological and other related reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Maintains essential records, reports, and files.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Four (4) years of professional experience relevant to the position.
NOTE: Please refer to the Advancement section located at the bottom of this title specification for a comprehensive list of approved titles connected to this trainee title. Experience must be related to the journeyman title associated with the position.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree in geology from an accredited college or university, or a bachelor's degree including or supplemented by thirty (30) semester hour credits in geologic subjects.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of geological formations and tectonic principles.
Knowledge of lithology, essential mineral content, and groundwater.
Knowledge of the capabilities and applications of computers in geological situations and projects.
Knowledge of the geology, topography, mineral resources, and groundwaters of New Jersey.
Knowledge of the properties of various rocks and soils.
Ability to learn the principles of structural geology, petrology, and field geology techniques.
Ability to learn soil and rock sampling and other subsurface exploration techniques.
Ability to learn rock behavior in slopes and excavations, and stabilization methods.
Ability to learn rock blasting techniques.
Ability to learn the procedures, tools, instruments, materials, and supplies used in geological and geophysical studies and/or investigations.
Ability to learn the problems likely to be encountered in making investigations of the location, extent, quality, and availability of the mineral resources and groundwater supplies.
Ability to learn the methods used in compiling, interpreting, and presenting geological information in geological reports, maps, or cross-sections on mineral resources, geological structures, variation in the lithology, mineral or fossil content on formations, groundwater, geology, and economic geology.
Ability to learn the principles, standards, and techniques used in preparing scientific reports and maps for publication.
Ability to learn the procedures and techniques used in working with the Brunton compass, the plane-table and alidade, the petrographic microscope, and other specialized tools or equipment used in geological investigations.
Ability to learn the techniques and use of specialized geological tools and equipment used in identifying fossils, rocks, minerals, and in displaying and collecting them.
Ability to learn the techniques used to gather, compile, interpret, and present the results of geological work.
Ability to learn the techniques used to prepare graphs, diagrams, and other illustrations of geological conditions.
Ability to learn the techniques used to collect and prepare specimens.
Ability to organize assigned geological work, analyze geological problems, and develop effective work methods.
Ability to analyze and interpret geological data.
Ability to participate in geological field trips and investigations.
Ability to utilize and maintain special geological tools and equipment.
Ability to prepare accurate, competent geological maps, reports, and diagrams.
Ability to collect and prepare needed samples and materials for laboratory study.
Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative geological and other related reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to maintain essential records, reports, and files.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
ADVANCEMENT:
Appointees who successfully complete the twelve (12) month training period will be eligible for advancement to a Geologist 1 level title, in accordance with the New Jersey Civil Service Commission procedures.
The inability of an employee in this trainee title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement to Geologist 1 shall be considered as cause for separation.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
